The Shepherd, the Wolf and the Rustlers
Once there was a shepherd that always had to keep a close watch over his flock, for the villagers told him that sheep rustlers were nearby. Not to mention his sheep were always being hunted by a wolf, who checked everyday to see if the man would forget his pitchfork. So the tired shepherd dared not close his eyes for even a moment, in fear he would fall asleep and loose his livelihood.
One early evening, the wolf returned back to see to see if his opportunity of a good supper would arise. But as always, the shepherd was one guard with a long, pointy pitchfork on hand. And the man chased the predator till he could no longer see the wolf.
"I'm tired of risking injury to survive." Thought the disgruntled wolf, "That shepherd is too keen on my presence. At this rate I'll never have my fill!"
But the hungry lupine's complaining was interrupted when he heard the shepherd's sheep baaing loudly.
The wolf rushed back quickly and spotted a pair of horsemen, herding the sheep. These men were the rustlers and because the shepherd had left briefly to chase off the wolf, the sheep were left unguarded and therefore, unprotected.
The shepherd made it back to his property, but couldn't reach in time to stop the rustlers.
The wolf figured this could finally be his chance to catch one of the sheep now that the flock was disoriented. He was about to prey upon a stray lamb, but the wolf paused and thought, "I would eat good now, but what about there after?"
The wolf then got an unusual idea. He grinned, "I think I have an easier way of getting good meals without always risking my mortality."
The shepherd stopped running to catch his breath. He just about gave up pursuing the thieves, till he heard a loud but familiar sound. It was a howl.
"On no!" Cried the man, "The wolf is back. My life can't get any harder then this!"
But to the shepherd's amazement, the wolf ran towards the rustlers, growling and snarling with furry. The men's horses became terrified and threw the thieves to the ground. The rustlers scrambled to their feet and ran off screaming for their lives.
The shepherd was able to calm his frightened flock down and bring then together. He noticed he was missing one.
The worried shepherd said out loud, "Where is.."
The wolf walked towards the shepherd, while coaxing a little animal to trot up to him.
"..my lamb?"
The astonished man checked the baby over and put her back with the ewe.
The shepherd and the wolf stared at each other for a moment. The man finally spoke, "Well.. Thank you for saving my flock. There must be a way I can repay you."
The wolf sat on his haunches and tilted his head. The man heard the wolf's stomach rumble.
The shepherd smiled, "I believe I have a way we both can benefit from each other."
The wolf wagged his tail. As he had came to this idea first.
So the shepherd and the wolf formed an alliance. The wolf kept thieves away from the sheep and the man fed the wolf every day. So by doing so, both of their hardships were no more. The wolf no longer went hungry and the shepherd could finally rest, knowing that his flock would always be safe.
"Corporation is better then confrontation."
